See the Person, Not the Spot: How to Shepherd People into Serving

I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that we all agree and celebrate the truth of 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - that CPC is one body with many parts.  But when it comes to helping someone new get connected, that truth isn’t just theology—it must be our posture. It shapes how we see people, how we invite them into ministry, and how we help them feel seen, valued, and loved.

That’s not just about good strategy. It’s about building an authentic community among our church family. A place where people experience something special because someone knows their name, cares about their story, and believes their presence matters.

So how do we do that in everyday conversations—especially when someone’s open to serving, but doesn’t know where they fit?

It starts with shifting from a recruitment mindset to a stewardship mindset.

Don’t Just Fill a Role—Uncover a Calling

When someone expresses interest in serving, our first move isn’t to hand them a clipboard or point them to our ministry’s biggest need. It’s to pause and say, “I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s figure out where you can thrive.”

That kind of statement does two things:

• It affirms that the person is valuable.

• It puts mission before the “ministry machine.”

The goal isn’t to plug a hole—it’s to help someone discover their unique fit in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). That means we slow down and ask better questions:

• “What energizes you?”

• “What kinds of people or causes stir your heart?”

• “Do you like being behind the scenes or up front?”

The conversation becomes less about what we need and more about who they are.

Lead With Joy, Not Guilt

People can tell when they’re being recruited out of desperation. But they can also tell when someone genuinely delights in helping them take a meaningful step.

That’s where joy comes alive in our church—not from filling rosters, but from building relationships. People experience real joy when they feel seen, valued, and genuinely welcomed. It’s not about being needed to get a job done; it’s about being known and invited into something meaningful. When someone realizes they matter here, not just for what they can do, but for who they are—that’s where connection and lasting joy take root.

That means when someone says, “I’m not sure where I fit,” we don’t rush to sell them on our team. We listen, we explore, and we honor their wiring—even if it leads them to a different ministry.

It’s not about recruiting for “my” team. It’s about building up our church.

Be Open-Handed With People

One of the best gifts we can give people is permission to explore. Some folks are hesitant to commit because they’re afraid they’ll get stuck. So let’s tell them the truth: “You’re never locked in. If it’s not the right fit, we’ll help you find one that is”.

That kind of flexibility creates a safe environment for growth. It also models humility and trust in the Holy Spirit’s work. Sometimes the best move is offering a short-term trial—a Sunday on the Production Team, a week helping with Next Gen, or shadowing someone in Guest Services.

We’re not just offering roles. We’re offering a front-row seat to transformation—both in their life and the lives they’ll impact.

Invite People Into a Bigger Story
Serving isn’t about filling time—it’s about fulfilling purpose. When people see themselves as part of something bigger, it fuels joy and long-term connection.

Help them connect the dots:

• “When you greet someone at the door, you’re part of their first step toward Jesus.”

• “When you serve a meal at Romney Meadows, you remind someone they’re not forgotten.”

• “When you rock a baby, run a camera, or pray with someone, you help people meet God in real ways.”

Let’s remind people: the body works best when every part is active—up front or behind the scenes.

The Win? People Who Are Fruitful
When we lead with curiosity, flexibility, and joy, powerful things happen:

• People feel seen.

• They serve with confidence, not obligation.

• They stay connected because they started out feeling connected.

This shift—from “Where do I need help?” to “Where could this person come alive?”—changes everything.

Our goal isn’t to fill spots. It’s to shepherd people. And when we do that with joy and an open hand, we build the kind of church no one wants to leave.

Want to start that kind of conversation? Look for someone lingering after service or asking about getting involved. Then smile, say hi, and ask:

“What would a meaningful way to serve look like for you?”